Aus Astro Imaging Conference is on - July 2011

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by Bolts_Tweed

Its going to be damned boring without data to do my comparative study - but then again a lot of you havent heard all my bad old jokes ;-)

MB

Here's a good one.."What's got two thumbs and loves sex?"...

Mike

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Shucks Mark...

All good fun for a great event. I can't wait to attend. It'll be fantastic to meet Ken and Rogelio and hear what they have to teach us.

[mangrovedutch (Dutch)]

WOW, this sounds great, I will attend this - come hell or high water. A big thank you to all that are involved with the organisation of this conference. I've had a look at the website, and it looks great. Are there limited seats available for this? This will be a fantastic weekend, and as a Newbie to Astronomy and Astrophotography, the information will be invaluable to me.
Great work guys.

Regards, Dutch

[Bolts_Tweed (Mark)]

Aaaah Mike - I am actually that sky starved that if it was clear I might get a headache. But then again theres a bit of time before it gets dark.

Chris - Dont sell it short mate - you did a great job (or should I say - are doing a great job) - i know it is a lot of work.

Dutch - good to hear mate - there is a limit of 150 people in the room I have booked - it was a trade of between venue costs and optimistic estimation of numbers. Hope to see you there.

MB

[richardo (Rich)]

Congrats you guys for getting this up and running.
Fantastic to see. I know the chaps over the other side of the 'lake' have one of these every year, so it's good to see, we who are 'down under' getting together for an astro ganza meet!

Great to see so many talented folk from this group participating with organising and conducting sessions as well as notable international guests.

Pitty I live so far away... and no doubt, at the time, won't have the funds...

Good on you guys... I'm sure it will be a huge success.

One of these days I'm gonna meet all the astro people I've met over the years at one of these shows... one of these days

All the best
Rich

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by richardo

Pitty I live so far away... and no doubt, at the time, won't have the funds...

Rich

Start a piggy bank now!...can you seruiously imagine a better holiday ...Just think, a casino, a beach, great weather, meter maids ...AAAAAND a three day imagers fest

Mike

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Start a piggy bank now!...can you seruiously imagine a better holiday ...Just think, a casino, a beach, great weather, meter maids ...AAAAAND a three day imagers fest

Mike

LOL stay for an extra few days then go to astrofest (ok its 2 more weeks)

[mangrovedutch (Dutch)]

Still not ready for registration, check again next week. Any idea of cost to attend yet?

Dutch

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

I'm expecting news on registration from Mark in the next day or so. As soon as it's available I'll put it up on the registration page on www.aaic2011.com

Watch this space as they say...

[Bolts_Tweed (Mark)]

Thx Chris

I have registered the conf with Conference on line that will handle the registrations and they wanted 48 hours to set it up. When i get back to uni on Monday I am pretty sure it will be ready to go.

As to cost - I tried very hard for 100 a day but the lack of sponsorship has forced it to 125 a day for early birds and after 1 May it is 150 a day. Venue has a limit of 150 people. The conference dinner on the Sat night is an extra at 80.

I was delaying in the hope of sponsorship prior to releasing registration to keep costs down but I cant wait any longer.

For anyone interested please check out the Awards section of the web page. I have been given some money provided it goes to an award and have decided on the AAIC Outstanding Achievement award to be run annually - all is explained on the web page but 5 finalists will get a certificate and the winner gets $1500. Can be an image, a processing technique, a piece of software in fact anything to do with astro imaging. It will be judged y the visiting internationals and the keynote each year.

Hopefully registration will be open early next week but dont panic - you have until early March to get the reduced rate.

Mark

[DavidTrap (David)]

Knowing what I pay to attend my work-related conferences and the amount of money that they receive from sponsorship, I think you have done an incredible job to keep the costs so low Mark - well done!

I'm just cranky I can't get to all three days...

DT

[Bolts_Tweed (Mark)]

Thx David

I usually pay conference fees of the order of 7 to 3 hundred as well. The difference is I think this is self funded not work or research accounts so i've screwed arms to get it where it is. Admittedly it doesnt include dinner but the extra 60 bucks or so kill it for 3 nights for a lot of people. Maccas is down the road and there a heap of good reasonable priced restaurants in the surfers / broadbeach area. The casino is a reasonably priced feed as well (within walking distance) if you can stay off the blackjack tables.

When you take ot the 60 bucks for lunch, as well as arrival cofee and morning and afternoon tea and we've then got to get the guests here, put them up as well as pay for the venue, AV gear etc then I think people will see where the money goes. I am sure it will be worth it.

As I said before, if anyone wants alternative accommodation in the area let me know - there are 2 star motels to 5 star luxury in the area so you have an option.

MB

[cybereye (Mario)]

I've just signed up for the Friday (workshops) and I must say I'm really looking forward it!!

Cheers,
Mario

[Bolts_Tweed (Mark)]

Thanks Mario

I see you on the list. A good response so far (in one night I might add) - thx to everyone that has registered. Maybe I should have insisted on IIS user names so I know who everyone is - laugh

Mark